Michael Crabtree

WR Texas Tech

Grade

Overview

There simply was nothing more for Crabtree to prove at the collegiate level after winning the Biletnikoff Award in both seasons playing in Texas Tech coach Mike Leach's high-octane offense. The All-American racked up 231 catches for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns in just two years after dominating the scout team practices his redshirt season. He also had the play of the year in 2008 with his amazing touchdown catch against Texas to seal Tech's upset in Lubbock. Unlike past productive receivers in Leach's offense, Crabtree's size, strength and pure playmaking ability would have enabled him to produce in any collegiate system, and scouts expect the success to continue at the next level. Had an arm span of 34 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Ultra-productive, competitive playmaker with prototypical size. Excellent hands; snatches the ball from the air within or outside his body. Secures the ball quickly in his strong hands after the catch. Uses his size, initial quickness and hands to get inside or outside separation off the line of scrimmage. Runs quick slants and has the suddenness to take the route upfield. Excellent body control to high-point the ball in traffic, adjust to any poor throw, tiptoe on the sideline and find his way through creases. Can turn his man out, plant and get the inside shoulder, giving the quarterback a big target down the seam. Quick to stop and adjust for the ball behind him, whether purposely or not. Used outside, in the slot and even in the backfield at times. Always tries to make a play after the catch, keeping his legs moving when tackled low, stiff-arming smaller defenders on the run and extending the ball to get to the first down or goal line. Rubs defenders for other receivers. Displays a good attitude and appears to be a solid teammate without major ego issues.
Negatives: Needs to speed up his release, as he jumps off the line too often trying to lull his defender to sleep. Does not have the elite speed to separate from quick corners on the outside, although the point typically was moot at Tech because he could overpower collegiate talent. Not sudden with the ball in his hands, dancing awkwardly at times instead of using his size and strength. Must improve consistency on downfield blocking, as he has the size to be effective but gives inconsistent effort to get to his man or sustain. Runs with the ball loose in the open field.